People in the News: October 22, 2026

KING WINS FASNY BUCKENMEYER SCHOLARSHIP: Ryan King of the Edmeston Fire Department has been awarded the 2026 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship, receiving a $1,500.00 scholarship and certificate from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. King is one of 26 students statewide selected for the honor, which recognizes volunteer service, good character and a written essay. King says many of his most important lessons have come from the firehouse, noting, “Being ready to go at any moment teaches responsibility and organization skills. If you are not organized or responsible on the fire scene, someone could get hurt.” Chief Arthur Klingler called King a “great ambassador for the RAM program,” praising his commitment as a junior volunteer. Outside the firehouse, King enjoys fishing, hunting, and trapshooting. The scholarship program is supported by donations from individuals, fire departments, auxiliaries, and underwriting from Provident Agency Inc., with additional administrative support from McNeil & Co.

SUNY CORTLAND STANDOUTS: SUNY Cortland has announced its spring 2026 Dean’s List, recognizing 2,578 students for academic excellence. To qualify, undergraduates must earn a 3.3 GPA or higher for the semester. Each of the university’s three schools—Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies and Education—publishes its own Dean’s List. Local students honored include: Cherry Valley: Joleen Lusk, exercise science; Fly Creek; Sophia Hotaling, exercise science; Gilbertsville: Theo Foster, social philosophy; Hartwick: Troy Davis, physical education K–12; Maryland: Grace Cohn, psychology; Mount Vision, Leah Cotten, biology; Oneonta: Aleigha Brockway, exercise science, Isabella Giacomelli, physical education K–12, and Tanner Russin, sport management.

FIRST HONORS FOR FICANO: Sam F. Ficano of Oneonta has been named to first honors on the Clark University Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester, recognizing outstanding academic achievement. First honors are awarded to students who earn a GPA of 3.8 or higher; second honors require a GPA between 3.50 and 3.79. Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal‑arts‑based research institution offering 44 undergraduate majors and more than 30 advanced degree programs, with a focus on preparing students to meet global challenges through rigorous scholarship and community partnerships.